A GOOD AGE: Celebrating our mini Methuselahs

Monday

Looking ahead on New Year's Day with some of our eldest elders finds they are living longer and stronger, surpassing expectations.

QUINCY -- They don't make 'em like they used to . . . they're older, stronger and, on occasion, sassier.

It's become a New Year's tradition to pay tribute to the oldest people I've written about and see how they are doing -- and also to remember those who are no longer here. When I began 25 years ago, top longevity kudos went to the centenarians, those who achieved 100 years, but since then the number has steadily climbed, last year hitting 109.

Our mini Methuselahs (biblical patriarch said to have died at age 969) are impressive.

Not only are people living longer, they are benefiting from medical procedures once ruled out for those of advanced age. Surgeries and medical interventions, especially for the heart and hip, are being offered to people from their 90s to and well over 100. And so, along with the New Year's Day tradition of welcoming new babies, I enjoy the tradition of paying tribute to a few of the eldest elders.

I first wrote about Asdghig “Starrie” Alemian of Weymouth in 2012 when she was 102. Amazingly she will turn 109 on March 1. Two years ago, she survived a fall, had successful hip surgery, did physical therapy at home and stands and moves with a walker. "She's something else," her daughter, Claire, with whom she lives, said. "Starrie" Alemian is a survivor of the Armenian genocide and came to this country in 1922. Her sons Alan and Stephan and daughters Susan and Sylvia are also nearby; family visits give her great pleasure.

At 107, Margaret AuCoin is another source of wonder. After she fell last fall and broke two bones, she recovered, moved and is enjoying new routines at the Queen Anne Nursing Home in Hingham. "She is so strong," her daughter, Cathy Thibodeau of South Weymouth, said. "She's very happy there and our family is in awe of her." AuCoin takes most of her meals in the dining room, loves sweets, keeps busy with bingo, crafts and musical activities. She will turn 108 on March 28. Six of her nine children are living: daughters Martha Abraham of Pembroke and Mary Cosgrove of Hingham and son Michael Thibodeau of Hull also live nearby and see her often. Her other two daughters, Barbara Frongello and Paula Hennessey, live out of state.

At 106, Agnes Mullay wakes up looking forward to morning coffee and donuts, bingo and musical entertainment at Alliance at Marina Bay in Quincy. She has her hair done, dresses up each day, and hopes to turn 107 on March 12. Mullay continues to enjoy good health and said last week, "I'm fine, I'm happy." She still loves to drop a one-liner like: "God isn't ready for me and the devil won't take me."

One of the younger centenarians, Barbara Gillis, reports from Scituate she "will be 102-and-a-half in February" and is "doing fantastic" since her second hip surgery in 2017. "I wrote the surgeon and told him I was doing so well that if I had a third hip and it needed repair, I'd get in touch with him immediately," she said last week. She has now had two hip repairs, one knee replacement and has adjusted to vision loss due to macular degeneration. "She remains remarkably independent," her niece, Dotti Cook, said this week. Every Thursday, the Scituate council on aging provides transportation to the seniors lunch at the Congregational Church; it is a highlight of her week. "It's amazing how kind and helpful people are," Gillis said.

Ruth Kundsin of Quincy, also 102, keeps inspiring neighbors and friends with her vitality and optimistic outlook. Blessed with resilience, she believes that by working at it, she can hold on to her strength. You can find her once or twice a week working out with her personal trainer at the South Shore Y in Quincy.

I must know a half dozen people waiting to turn 100 this new year. Writing about more people in their 90s has also become an added bonus. Best wishes for a full recovery to Wes Osborne of Norwell, who will turn 96 on Thursday and is at South Shore Hospital with pneumonia. Jane Fallon of Scituate writes: "Imagine being 96!" as she heads off for Florida to enjoy her golf game.

Auld lang syne: The New Year is also a time to remember some of the remarkable people we lost in 2018. The oldest was Florence Shulenburg, who died in Weymouth at age 109. Catherine 'Nana' Mitton of Holbrook died one month short of her 108th birthday.

Also much missed are: Bob Noble, WWII POW and proud veteran at 93; Winnie Lou Rounds of Scituate, at age 96; Ruth Clark of Quincy, at 104; Howard Mason of Randolph, at 86; Herbert Fulton of Norwell, at 81; Mildred Naun of Hingham, at 102; Pearl Harbor survivor William Keith of Marshfield at 95; Paul McCormack of Quincy at 84; Ruth Spano of Weymouth at 89 and Ryland Rogers of Hingham, one day shy of 89.

What a privilege to have met and interviewed these exceptional elders and have heard their stories. We will not forget them.

Finally, these thoughts on longevity from Maggi Brown, the visitor services supervisor with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation who has a knack for finding seniors who enjoy the outdoors: "Keep walking! Stay active! Smile and laugh. Give of your time and energy! Share goodwill and candy!"

Reach Sue Scheible at sscheible@patriotledger.com, 617-786-7044, or The Patriot Ledger, P.O. Box 699159, Quincy 02269-9159. Read her Good Age blog on our website. Follow her on Twitter @ sues_ledger.